Taiwan's Asia Pacific Telecom (APT) has contracted Alcatel-Lucent to build an all-IP LTE network.
Alcatel-Lucent will build an LTE overlay network for APT that will allow it to offer converged voice and data, including VoLTE services.
APT plans to start rolling out LTE and VoLTE in the first part of this year, starting with the metro areas in the north, central and south regions of the island. The company aims to complete the deployment this year.
Alcatel-Lucent will provide a lightRadio RAN, evolved packet core and mobile backhaul for the network, as well as an end-to-end IMS solution including IMS core, IP Border Controller and Subscriber Data Manager. The vendor will also provide payment and analytics products.
“While other service providers in Taiwan hold VoLTE licenses, APT is the first to announce actual deployment plans,” APT CTO Tony Zee commented.
“Cooperating with Alcatel-Lucent’s newly established APAC Innovation Center and ng Connect Program in Taiwan, APT can learn [from] worldwide leading operators’ experience and create local joint development to generate new services such as intelligent transportation, healthcare, and LTE Connected Car.”
APT was one of six companies to secure LTE spectrum in Taiwan's $4 billion 4G auction in late 2013.
Chunghwa Telecom, the biggest spender in the auction, last month announced plans to launch LTE services in July.